How to distress (crumple) paper?

[kittystamp]

Is there an easy way to crumple paper for a distressed look? I am making a bunch of cards with a 3X4 crumple distressed piece as accent. I am finding it is quite time consuming and tiring to mash and smash the SU! cardstock. It looks really cool when it is done but it is taking me forever to get it softened.

[diane617]

how about a little spritz with water to help?

[Silly Princess]

I heard somewhere (Tim Holtz maybe?) that it works best if you start from the center of the cs and work outwards, which breaks down the fibers. GL!

[MarshHen]

Quote:

Originally Posted by diane617

how about a little spritz with water to help?

Yep, this is how I do it, but be careful, it tears easily when the paper is damp. I use a plant mister and it works great.

[Rainsong]

Hold your paper with your non-dominant hand. Use your thumb and index finger of your other hand, one on each side of the paper, and stroke down the paper with the grain several times. This loosens the fibers in order to crumple it nicely.

Then, start in the middle of the paper and press inward as if you were trying to make the paper into a bowl.

You can also give your paper a slight spritz of Perfect Ink Refresher to soften it. Don't overdo it though or the paper will be completely limp.

Rainsong

[debbiesdiecuts]

You could try doing a whole sheet of paper then cutting into the sizes you need...Thats how I used to do it, for swap cards, etc...I would crumple the entire sheet, apply ink, mist, crumple, and repeat as needed for the desired effect...I would dry my sheets in between adding colors, if using more than one...with an iron, pressing it between two other sheets of paper...Does that make sense...hugs, Debbie

[franstamper]

Quote:

Originally Posted by kittystamp

Is there an easy way to crumple paper for a distressed look? I am making a bunch of cards with a 3X4 crumple distressed piece as accent. I am finding it is quite time consuming and tiring to mash and smash the SU! cardstock. It looks really cool when it is done but it is taking me forever to get it softened.

I would take a large sheet of paper (8.5x11 or 12x12) and crumble the entire sheet, Distress Inks by Ranger are great for this. Vintage Photo or Walnut Stain colors are great. Take the crumbled paper and then slightly flatten it out. Take the ink pad and just rub it lightly over the entire paper. Lightly misting will cause the ink to run giving a great look. Let it dry. You might try to "iron" it down a little (be very careful doing this so you don't burn the paper) and then cut all of your 3x4 pieces. HTH

[kittystamp]

Thanks so much everyone. Great suggestions :-D